Baofeng BF888s radio

[RomeRon]

Should I risk reprogramming these radios to FRS frequencies, my concerns are the removable antennas, and the power output from these radios.
I’m thinking since the unknown to me , power output and the removable antennas is hinting to me not to reprogram them, would super gluing the antenna so it can’t be removed would eliminate one of the problems, but would still have the power output problem.
Thanks
Ron

 

[jaspence]

Super glue will not solve the removable antenna issue. The radios that the FCC approve for FRS must be manufactured with all of the requirements in place and pass certification before being cleared for sale. Check out this link for more information. Measuring Spurious Emissions of Cheap Handheld Transceivers

 

[Hans13]

That would be your choice but gluing the antenna won't help you one bit. You see, if it isn't certified Part 95B then it simply isn't legal. Therefore, if you program the frequencies in and transmit, there is no point in gluing the antenna.

As to the output, FRS is limited to 2 watts on channels 1 though 7 and 15 through 22. It is limited to 0.5 watts on channels 8 through 14. Therefore, the 2 watts or less would be technically within parameters on 1-7 & 15-22; 15 channels of the BF-888 16 channel capacity. All frequencies are narrow band, 12.5 kHz, for FRS. No repeater access on FRS because the service does not include the repeater inputs of GMRS. AFAIK, the BF-888 low power doesn't do anything and it puts out typically >2 watts regardless.

47 CFR § 95.561 - FRS transmitter certification.

§ 95.561 FRS transmitter certification.

(a) Each FRS unit (a transmitter that operates or is intended to operate in the FRS) must be certficated for use in the FRS in accordance with this subpart and subpart J of part 2 of this chapter.

(b) A grant of equipment certification for the FRS will not be issued for any FRS transmitter type that fails to comply with all of the applicable rules in this subpart.

(c) A grant of equipment certification will not be issued for hand-held portable radio units capable of operating under both this subpart (FRS) and under any other subparts of this chapter (except part 15) if the application for such grant is filed on or after December 27, 2017.

47 CFR § 95.567 - FRS transmit power.

§ 95.567 FRS transmit power.

Each FRS transmitter type must be designed such that the effective radiated power (ERP) on channels 8 through 14 does not exceed 0.5 Watts and the ERP on channels 1 through 7 and 15 through 22 does not exceed 2.0 Watts.

47 CFR § 95.573 - FRS authorized bandwidth.

§ 95.573 FRS authorized bandwidth.

Each FRS transmitter type must be designed such that the occupied bandwidth does not exceed 12.5 kHz.

 

[RomeRon]

Thanks for the fast responses
The radios are for 4 of the neighbors kids, and the frequencies factory programmed, I have no clue if they are going to cause interference to something they don’t need to be interfering with.
What I was going to do is remove one of the channels so the two girls could have their own frequency, and I was going to remove their frequency on the boys radios and visa versa.
Thanks again
Ron

 

[nd5y]

, and the frequencies factory programmed, I have no clue if they are going to cause interference to something they don’t need to be interfering with.

You would have to read the radios to find out what set of factory frequencies are programmed.
https://www.eham.net/ehamforum/smf/index.php/topic,123040.0.html
Operating on those frequencies is also illegal and more likely to cause interference to public safety or business users.

If you have to use illegal radios it's best to at least use frequencies that are less likely to cause interference to something important and attract attention to your illegal operation.

 

[jaspence]

There have been some of the cheap radios sold with medical and other critical service frequencies. Don't transmit unless you are sure who will hear you legally. Using a public service frequency can be a very costly fine and could put someone at risk.

 

[RomeRon]

These are the factory setting

462.12500
462.22500
463.32500
462.45200
462.52500
462.62500
462.72500
462.82500
462.92500
463.02500
463.12500
463.22500
463.52500
450.22500
460.32500
469.95000

 

[Hans13]

The following are the 15 FRS frequencies that allow up to 2 watts. Although still illegal, it would be safer for everyone if you used these instead of the factory default frequencies in those radios. All are narrow band (12.5 kHz).

1 462.5625
2 462.5875
3 462.6125
4 462.6375
5 462.6625
6 462.6875
7 462.7125

15 462.5500
16 462.5750
17 462.6000
18 462.6250
19 462.6500
20 462.6750
21 462.7000
22 462.7250

Family Radio Service (FRS)

 

[RomeRon]

Family Radio Service (FRS)[/QUOTE]

 

[RomeRon]

Thank you ALL. For the help it’s greatly appreciated
Ron